Local economies
There’s ‘no single perfect solution’ on 5G
A vibrant and competitive market for ultrafast and gigabit connectivity across the whole of the UK is a must for our future prosperity, says Stuart Murray, partner at UK law firm TLT.
The private sector needs to stand alongside councils against the PWLB rate rise
Greg Hill argues that the private sector needs to join council leaders in calling for the omission of housebuilding and regeneration projects from the ‘125% interest rate rise on loans from the Public Works Loan Board’.
Future Forum North: Call for towns and cities to make peace
The driving force behind the Greater Manchester devolution deal has urged towns and cities to make peace.
Tory state aid proposals spark controversy
Questions have been raised over plans to loosen state aid rules post-Brexit under a Conservative government.
Making the most of our cultural assets
The three councils of Lancaster City, Barrow and South Lakeland are coming together to pilot a new model that 'aims to capture and maximise our individual and collective cultural assets', says Lawrence Conway.
Too many blurred lines
It is ‘small wonder economic development has failed to deliver in so many places’, says Nigel Wilcox. His message to a future government is that a confusing landscape needs simplified – and combined authorities seem to provide the best solution.
Councils to make case for further Government flood funds
Local authorities are lobbying Government to provide support for flood-hit families and small businesses whose insurance does not cover the costs of their recovery.
Muse secures £650m Slough project
Muse Developments has been appointed to a £650m development described as one of the biggest in the UK.
Is there a better way for business rates?
How keen should councils be to bind themselves to a business rates tax that appears to be in demise both financially and reputationally, asks Gary Fielding
Lessons learned from two years of the State of Transformation
Benjamin Taylor reviews the landscape of local government transformation over two years of case studies, conferences and academies. The picture that emerges is both a depressing and inspiring one.
Oxford and Reading top city performance list
Cities have largely recovered economically from the 2007/08 financial crisis but must now focus on housing affordability and health-related issues, according to PwC and Demos.
Post-Brexit public procurement overhaul proposed
Moves to overhaul procurement rules for public contracts have been met with scepticism.
Sharing is caring
Kate Kennally argues that, for Cornwall to catch up with the rest of the UK, the Shared Prosperity Fund must do exactly that: share prosperity. But she says real devolution of decision making to a local level is equally important.
Political row breaks out over Towns Fund
The Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund has been dismissed as a ‘pre-election stunt’ by political opponents.
Western Gateway to become powerhouse for Severn estuary
A third ‘powerhouse’ has been launched by the Government today in an attempt to drive economic growth across south Wales and the west of England.
Leeds secures agreements for TV and film studios
Leeds City Council has intervened to help get new TV and film studios up and running.
DCN in high streets 'emergency' warning
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has warned Britain’s high streets are in a ‘state of emergency’ as annual retail planning applications have almost halved since 2015.
Devolution to 'level up' economic fortunes - report
A think-tank has called on ministers to further embrace local government devolution in order to level up the economic fortunes of the country.
Only 5% of council leaders optimistic about Brexit
Councils are increasingly downbeat about the impact of Brexit, with nearly three quarters (71%) of chiefs expecting it to have a ‘negative’ or ‘very negative’ impact on their local economy.
Close co-operation to aid our communities
As Solace's annual Summit gets underway in Birmingham this week, president Martin Swales urges local authorities to work with others on building their local economies.